FREEDOM of religion will be preserved under the Barisan Nasional government, Prime Minister Najib Razak said at the Thaipusam festival in Kuala Selangor today.

He assured Indians that the government will take care of Hindus.

“I understand that the Indian community is facing a lot of inherited and legacy issues that need to be overcome by the government.

“The Indians will be more prosperous if they trust each other and must have the feeling of nambikei (trust) among each other.

“I will continue to support the Indian community,” he said at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in Kuala Selangor today. 

More than 3,000 people from the Kuala Selangor vicinity joined the festivities.

Najib, who used to visit the Sri Subramaniar Swamy temple in Batu Caves, Selangor, for the annual Thaipusam festival, decided to join the Kuala Selangor crowd this year.

His deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was in Batu Caves earlier today.

“I used to celebrate in Batu Caves, but I decided to come here and see the development. I always stress that development must be fair and inclusive.

“That’s why the government launched the Malaysian Indian Blueprint in 2017 to help the Indian community.

“More than RM1 billion has been allocated to help elevate the Indian community.”

Najib said all he needs is the support and confidence of Indians and BN will deliver on its promises.

“Don’t forget if we field any candidate here, please give us your support.”

Najib also pledged to help the temple build a RM3 million community hall.

“If the temple can raise RM1.5 million, I will top up another RM1.5 million,” he said to cheers from the crowd. – January 31, 2018.